"That's a long story, but it answers both your questions. The short of it is I found this place when I was on my way to destroy the temple of wind."

Dragon says "You what?! Not to be rude but I need the whole story."

Before I can answer I feel myself freeze in place and all my mental defenses vanish. Then I can feel the dragon sifting through my memories, he is trying to be gentle but I still end up with a killer migraine. Once he is done I am released but it takes me a few minutes to regain my composure.

Core says "From your reaction I take it you know what the temples are?"

Dragon says "Yes, I do. The fact that one is already destroyed and I didn't notice it happening troubles me."

"Sorry?"

Dragon says "I don't hold it against you, you didn't know. Neither did the goddesses you are serving, all they know is the temples hurt them."

"So, can you tell us about the temples and the first ones? That is why I used the scroll."

Dragon says "First Ones? Not a very accurate name, but I guess it will do for now. As you know they built the temples, but it wasn't to lock a powerful being away."

"Then what are they for? I admit I am kind of worried since I destroyed one."

Dragon says "They built them out of fear, what the temples lock away is this world."

Core says "I don't understand?"

Dragon says "The first ones reached the point of understanding magic that they could go to other worlds on this plane. What they saw out there terrified them and they ran back here to hide. The temples hide this world and shield it to prevent other things from traveling here."

Core says "So, is that why they created us and the dwarves?"

"They didn't create you. They kidnapped you from another world to act as their slaves. They knew that creating the temples would weaken the magic and they lived off the magic. So they decided that they would need slaves to make up for the loss of magic."

Core says "Oh, so everything they told us was lies. Now I am somewhat glad my people are gone, learning this would have been devastating."

"Core, are you alright?"

Core says "Yes, I think so. Not having had a normal life I do not feel the betrayal as strongly."

Dragon says "If it helps any, the creation of the temples doomed them and your race outlived them by thousands of years."

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"Speaking of, do you know what happened to the elves and dwarves?"

Dragon says "I do, but that is something I think you should discover yourself."

"Alright, can you at least tell me what will happen if I destroy the rest of the temples?"

Dragon says "There will be two immediate effects. One, your goddesses will get stronger. Two, the demons will have an easier time summoning more demons. The other effects will not take place during the time you have left."

"Can you tell me anyway? I want to make an informed decision."

Dragon says "I do like you, Ash. Very well, without the temples this world will return to what it was meant to be. What you would call a high magic world."

"So, you and the other monsters would get stronger and not need to hibernate anymore. What else would it affect?"

Dragon says "Any magic user would of course be stronger but this world would also be open to visitors. Meaning refugees or an invasion from another world would be possible. In general, monsters would migrate here but most powerful beings have their own territory and must defend it."

Core says "Sounds to me like it would be a bad idea."

"Why would you say that?"

Core says "Humans currently don't have enough power to defeat strong monsters. They would just be prey."

"As the goddesses and other deities regain power they will be able to grant classes to humans. It should all equal out, besides you don't want to see a world dominated by humans."

Dragon says "I happen to agree with you, Ash. And not just because it would be good for my race."

"Okay, then it is settled. I will resume the quest to destroy the remaining temples. Ruby can absorb the fire temple so I just need to figure out who can absorb earth and water."

Core says "Asuna can absorb water, ice is part of the water domain. She will be compatible."

Dragon says "You also already have an earth type you can use."

"I do? Who?"

Dragon says "Lizzy. Lazy name I must say."

"Sorry, I am not good at coming up with names! Lizzy is compatible with earth? I never knew that."

Dragon says "Earth is more subtle than the other elements. For Lizzy it manifests as toughness and the ability to cross any terrain. It also is part of why she can move so fast, the ground itself helps her."

"Okay, then all I need to do is visit the temples with the right people and end them. Simple."

Core says "Only you would consider what you have to go through to reach the temples simple."

Dragon says "Are you getting overconfident again, Ash?"

"Maybe a little, but I have grown stronger and continue to do so."

Dragon says "True, you might just survive a swipe of my claws now. But only one mind you, and you would be in critical condition."

"Yes, I am well aware that there are still things stronger than me. Like the matriarch for example."

Dragon says "Ah, you want to defeat her and free Core and Kechara, yes?"

"Yes, I do."

Dragon says "It might just be possible, but you will need to destroy the temples first. Then the four of you might have a decent chance against her."

"Okay, I will take your advice. Sorry, Core, you and Kechara will have to be patient for a little while."

Core says "It's fine. I need time to train Kechara in magic anyway."

Dragon says "You are teaching her elven magic? That is a surprise, but it will be interesting to see what happens."

"Why? What do you think will happen?"

Dragon says "You will just have to wait and see. It will depend on what Kechara makes of herself."

"Alright, anything else that you think I need to know?"

Dragon says "No, but I will do you a favor before I go. You will need to come into my soulscape."

"Okay, I'm fine with that. What favor are you thinking of, and is this going to mean I owe you a favor?"

Dragon says "No, you won't owe me anything. First of all, I am going to give you a flying lesson."